Reid Ryan straight from the Astros’ reconstruction playbook

The Reid Ryan hire is straight from the Astros’ reconstruction playbook.

Young, fresh, new faces with enthusiasm, vigor, initiative and energy form the nucleus of the next generation of the Houston Astros. This approach has carried through the baseball operations since the team changed hands nearly two years ago.

Yes, there is a smattering of Erik Bedards and Ronny Cedenos on the field — and even the Alan Ashbys, Rex Joneses, et al off the field — and there will be in 2015 and beyond as well. But the basic core of the baseball organization fits the overall youth movement from top to bottom, management to the field.

However, while many of the faces changed in other areas like the broadcast booth or business operations, many of the replacements were, indeed, re-treads, though most had experience in their field.

Indeed, Reid Ryan fits the the reconstruction playbook that attracted Jeff Luhnow, Bo Porter, Sig Medjal, Mike Elias and many others to the bottomed-out organization. No experience in the current position, yet respected by peers and people in the industry as up-and-comers with the pedigree and innovation to “take it to the next level”.

Consider:

Jeff Luhnow. No general manager experience, respected among the ranks and in the industry. Innovative, knowledgeable and unabashedly cutting edge, he hasn’t hesitated to fill the baseball operation with young — even untested — personnel. First time as major league general manager.

Bo Porter. New blood, Porter had worked his way through the ranks as a coach and mentor. Had never “run the show” at the major league level, but — again — had the respect of superiors and other observers. First time as major league manager.

Eduardo Perez. “Who?” you say. The Astros’ bench coach is in a new role, virtual uncharted territory for him as well, though he has served in various capacities, such as manager in the Puerto Rican Winter League and in the same role with the Puerto Rican National Team. First time in the role of major league bench coach.

Mike Elias. The 30-year-old took a big step up from his previous roles. As the director of amateur scouting, he oversees everything, including the evaluation of talent for the amateur draft, trades, international free agency, and the Astros’ farm system. First time in this role.

Sig Mejdal. Heck, while he has worked for the Cardinals and has been active in SABR stats, this guy worked for Lockheed Martin and for NASA and has an engineering degree. Oh, and he also has degrees in Operations Research and Cognitive Psychology/Human Factors.

As it turns out, George Postolos may have been a place-holder rewarded for his years of helping his boss gain his dream of owning a major league team. While skilled at acquisitions he didn’t necessarily fit the mold of a modern-day president of an organization in an ever-changing industry.

The question is: With Ryan’s new approach and fresh set of eyes, will the Astros business operations and approach with minor league franchises undergo a metamorphosis. Can’t argue with the results at Round Rock and Corpus Christi, either on the field or off.

Still, Ryan’s #1 job — and maybe even #2 and #3 on the list — is to repair the disastrous relationship with fans. A tall order, bot be sure. Expect what many have seen in Round Rock: Ryan in the stands, shaking hands, in the community and — basically and importantly — out front representing a positive image. Expect to see more of Ryan than you did Postolos.

In other words, if you like Luhnow, if you’re a fan of the track that Porter has the Astros on, you’ll probably like Reid Ryan. You should get used to it, you’ll probably see a lot of them…together.